About the UK Alumni Expert Network

What is the UK Alumni Expert Network?

The UK Alumni Expert Network connects qualified alumni experts to small Kentucky businesses which can benefit from their expertise in business and technology.  Experts have agreed to donate up to 10 hours per year of free consulting, with a limit of two hours per recipient.  Consulting may occur either by email or telephone.

Who are UK alumni experts?

UK alumni experts must have graduated at least 10 years ago, agreed to provide volunteer services, completed an online profile, and been approved for inclusion in the network.  Alumni experts may be current or retired business & industry and/or technical professionals.  Others may be scientists and researchers from academic institutions, national laboratories and research facilities.  Still others may be independent and experienced full-time consultants.

Are UK alumni experts paid for their consulting services?

Free consulting is limited to two hours per recipient when an expert takes on a request.  After the initial two hours, the expert and the recipient may enter into an extended agreement.

What topics will alumni experts address?

The UK Alumni Expert Network includes a diverse array of experts with expertise in thousands of business and technical topics.  Here are some examples of typical questions:

• How can I learn about risk analysis?
• Can you provide guidance on this technical problem?
• What's new in this technology?
• Is this product marketable?
• Can you help me with my business plan?
• Where do I find someone who can help me with EPA (OSHA, FDA, HHS)?
• How can we lower our factory cost on this product?
• How do these codes and regulations apply to our product?
• What materials meet these requirements?
• Who can supply us with this material, part, equipment or service?

Why is use of the UK Alumni Expert Network limited to only Kentucky businesses?

So many UK alumni, whether they were born here or attended UK, want to give back to Kentucky regardless of where they live today.  These alumni comprise a tremendous resource of knowledge built on their education at the University of Kentucky, hard work and experience to support the Commonwealth in this way.

How can I give feedback about the UK Alumni Expert Network?

Alumni experts and the consulting recipients are encouraged to provide feedback on the service to ukexperts@guideline.com.